9/11 Don’t Forget to Remember

On a Tuesday, Sept 11th, 2001 blood was shed in the United States. Today, Sunday, 9/11/2011 marks the 10th anniversary of the tragic event in New York City.

Watch this inspirational video:

10 Years – 1 Nation Under God

I spoke this message in Gulfway Church in Gulf Shores, Al. It was also missions Sunday and we celebrated the Lord’s supper together.

We may not understand it because we just don’t see things clearly right now. But one day we will see all things clearly…

I Cor 13:

9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

“Out of sight, out of mind”

My name is Greg Nemer. As a missionary I’ve often been effected by these words,

“Out of sight, out of mind”.

The phrase doesn’t apply to me so much that people say that I’m out of my mind…although that might be the case, but because I’m a long distance out of the country I’m out of sight.

In other words, if you don’t see or hear from me you may not remember me.

Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren,

Today is a day set aside for remembering. My hope is that the words I’m about to communicate will not depart from you heart.

Do You Remember 9-11?

Do you remember where you were?

I remember exactly where I was at the moment I saw the plane hit the towers on television.

Do you remember the details of the event? What can we learn from the events that took place?

Today I’d like to remind you, “Don’t forget to remember”….

Don’t Forget.

Forgetting is a problem.

Like so many others I sometimes have problems with my memory.

They say that old people are more likely to forget, but am THAT OLD!

I know, I forget. …

Uh, I forgot what I was about to say….

My memory problem is so bad that I decided to improve my memory.

I once heard that you could buy herbal supplements called ginseng to help you improve your memory.

I decided that was the way to go.

Once I made the decision, I did, however, run into a few problems…

First, I forgot all about my decision to purchase the herbs.

By the time I remembered that I was going to purchase herbal supplements I ran into another problem….

“Now what was the name of that herb?”

I forgot the name of the herbal pill.

Finally I remembered that the herb was called ginseng so I purchased it in the form of a tablet.

Once the tablets were in my home I promptly downed one and knew that I was well on my way to obtaining the memory of an elephant.

Problem is… I forgot where I pit the pills.

Once I found them I then forgot to take the ginseng tablets on a regular basis.

The result. The ginseng herbs never helped me because I forgot their name, then I forgot to purchase them then I forgot where I put them and I forgot to take them.

Many of you may have a similar problem.

Oh how easily we forget.

Perhaps we’ll remember to go out and buy some little yellow sticky’s to help us out.

Help with our Memory Problem:

In addition to taking ginseng tablets and using sticky notes there’s some more remedies to help us remember:

We write notes and then read them. I mentioned the yellow sticky’s, but we also place notes on bulletin boards or dry erase boards, on refrigerators or even on our hands and arms.

We use objects to help remind us of events such as yellow ribbons or we tie strings around our fingers.

Calendars give us a glimpse into the past in addition to alerting us to future events.

We use pictures and videos. When we see a picture, a sideshow, a video clip or a movie our memories are almost instantly jogged.

We hold memorial services. We don’t just do this when there is a tragedy or a death. Sometimes memorial services can more aptly be described as a celebration. A celebration of Life. Like a birthday party or a communion service.

The Holy Spirit helps us remember.

John 14:26 – The Holy Spirit brings everything Jesus has said to us back to our remembrance.

We have a solution for our memory problems, at least in spiritual things.

Why we Remember?

Why is it important to remember?

If you forget someones name it can be considered as an offense. It may be construed as if you weren’t paying attention, you don’t care, the person isn’t important to you or you don’t respect them. It may just be saying you’re a little dumb.

Why remember 9/11?

While this message is about remembering 9-11 I do want to state right up front that this is tough for me since I believe holding the pain of an event is a bad situation.

We should strive to turn our tragedy’s into triumphs.

Watch this video clip by for some good reasons to remember 9/11:

To Honor

To Value

To Give Purpose to our Past

To Bring Gratitude

To Strengthen community through unity

To provide perspective

Remembrance reignites hope

We remember because God is faithful, even in our darkest hours.

Lessons to learn form 9/11

Here’s a few ways to learn from this past tragedy and possibly gain some good out of what was meant for bad.

1. Live Each Day Like It’s Your Last

The 9/11 event was a shock to everyone. People got on the plane or went to work, not knowing it was their last day.

What about those who weren’t ready to meet God, or just had a fight with their family, or had all the regrets in their life.

Jesus talks about those who died at the tower…and how they weren’t any worse sinners than the rest…

1 There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”

2. In the world you will have tribulation, but we have overcome the world.

9/11 was a day of tribulation. Jesus said we would have tribulation in the world, but to be of good cheer because he has overcome the world.

Testing reveals your character (I’m one of the ones who doesn’t believe it “builds” character as that comes from the Word & the Spirit but it definitely “reveals” character).

A good example of this is to listen to the testimonials of people who talk about God helping them through the pain from 9/11.

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

While it was a horrible event some people are allowing it to become their identify – “I’m a victim of 9/11.”

Never let what evil comes be a part of your identity.

It’s easy to keep a victim mentality no matter what happened to you, but FEAR

(terrorism) is a weapon of the enemy.

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfectlovecasts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Perfect love casts out fear. God leads us by love, not by fear.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spiritoffear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

As I wrote this one, I really like the angle of comparing terrorists to the devil and how fear is his weapon.

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaringlion, seeking whom he may devour.

And here’s a valuable application….

We remember when innocent blood is shed

We remember 9/11 because innocent lives were taken. Blood was shed.

While I do not want to disrespect the tragic events that took place 10 years ago we do need to put something into perspective.

Over 3000 lives were lost on 9/11/2001. However every single day in the United States many more unborn loose their lives in abortion daily. I’m told some of these abortions are pretty bloody. Innocent lives have been lost and are being lost every day.

Many military members have given their lives as a sacrifice for our country. We should honor them

Many civil workers such as law enforcement officers, policemen, and firemen put their lives in jeopardy daily. The Bible tells us to honor them as servants of the Lord.

Finally but Foremost, Jesus provided the Ultimate sacrifice. Jesus was innocent, yet HE shed His Blood…

He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.

Why Jesus Shed His Blood

Hebrews 9:22
And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without sheddingofblood there is no remission.

What Should Our Response be when blood is shed?

1. Live in the light:

There1 John 1:17 says: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”

Others may have died but you should live a life that shows your respct for their sacrifices.

2. Remember:

There is no good excuse for not remembering. That’s why we practice the communion in the Christian Church.

Listen to these words as Jesus Institutes the Lord’s Supper…

Mathew 26: 26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed[b] and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”
27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new[c] covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

“I Forgot!”

Little Johnny was asked by his teacher, “Why didn’t you do your homework?”

Hi reply, “I forgot”

That excuse just doesn’t cut it. The teacher made him write on the chalk board 100 times,

“I will NOT forget”

Johnny would have been better off using the classic excuse, “I did it but the dog ate it”.

We shouldn’t forget historic events.

Forgetting to take out the trash is one thing but experience tells me that we should never forget important or historic events like birthdays, or anniversary’s (November 7, 1992- Happy Anniversary Ana).

We have Memorial days, Christmas and even 9/11,

I know we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus at Easter but allow me to input that little Easter bunnies have nothing to do with the greatest event that ever took place on the face of the earth.

The greatest historical event of all time should NEVER be forgotten. The Day Jesus shed His blood for us and Rose again after 3 days to provide everlasting life for those who believe in Him.

How To Remember

Remember, we honor and respect, we provide value, we grow and we gain purpose and perspective through remembering.

Today is Memory Sunday.

It’s a time designated to remembering. It’s a day to say,” I will not forget.”

Let’s remember these 3 important events and see if we can gain value through remembering these important occasions….

1. The events of 9-11

Remember 9/11.

Do you remember where you were?

Gain value through Support of our Country and the soldiers who defend it. Vote for for political leaders and important laws. Gain a sense of community and participate in Church events that effect your city or community.

2. Eternal death. This event took place when your Mother gave birth to you.

The Bible says that you were born a sinner. Without Jesus your destiny is eternal damnation.

The Bible says that the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is Eternal life through Jesus Christ

Jesus gave his life for sinners. He shed his blood for you.

I’m a missionary. I go into anther country because there are lost people that need to know about this solution to their problem of eternal death. There is hope for the sinner.

We should remember Missionaries. Support them by praying for them and communicating with them. Give your finances and love them.

But remember, You’re also a missionary. You may not travel to another country but you can still “go” into all the world and preach the Gospel by supporting missionaries. And you can still proclaim the good news to those around you as Christ has commanded.

In the Institution of the Lord’s Supper Jesus says “This do in Remembrance of me”

1Cor 11:
23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread;

24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat;[b] this is My body which is broken[c] for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

Now it’s time to not only remember but also to Examine Yourself…..

I Cor 11:
27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood[d] of the Lord.

28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner[e] eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s[f] body.

30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.

31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.

32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.
33 Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.

34 But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come.

A Closing Reminder

Are you a “forgetter” or a “Rememberer”? Have you become complacent or are you in active service for your Lord?” Is Jesus out of sight and out of your mind or is the Cross before you and your meditations on God’s word and your relationship with Christ?

Today I’d like to remind you… Don’t forget.

Even if you have to tie a string around your finger or place a WWJD bracelet on your wrist.

Don’t forget.

Jesus can turn tragedy in triumph. Today is not a sad day or a day of mourning. It’s a celebration of New life in Christ.

I Love Christmas, Easter (Resurrection Sunday), and Thanksgiving days. Some people say that it’s too bad that these days only come around one a year.

I agree. Although these days are celebrated only once a year I think that we should live our lives in a daily celebration of victory giving Jesus thanks every day of our lives.

My challenge to you is to make every day a day to remember. Serve Christ one day at a time and give him your all just as He gave his all (His Life) for you.